Proxemics Pre- and Post- COVID

     When we think about our proximity to others at football games, concerts, and large events, it used to be "normal" to have crowds of people piled on top of one another in those spaces. Since the global pandemic has happened, many changes have been put into place to allow for social distancing. What are these changes? Are they useful? Should these changes continue to be implemented even after the pandemic?

    Large gathering areas have put social distancing guidelines into play in order to keep people safe. Indoor spaces that house a large number of people have been limited to half capacity or even less during the pandemic. Several schools, doctors offices, and waiting areas have left one seat open between each occupied seat to ensure safety. Though these precautions were strict at the beginning of the pandemic, they have been loosened over time, allowing a greater capacity in buildings again. 

    In grocery stores, stickers have been placed in waiting lines to tell customers where to stand. Personally, I have noticed that this does not always work, and people stand close either way. Even before the pandemic, it was uncomfortable to have someone standing right behind you, breathing down your neck while you are waiting to check out. Now that COVID has peaked, it is even more uncalled for to have someone stand that close to you. However, some people have always had issues with violating other's personal space. 

    I believe people in America have always liked to have a larger amount of personal space. Especially for people who live in rural areas, they are used to having a lot of space. For people in urban areas, this is not the case. However, since the pandemic, I believe everyone has developed a bigger territory of personal space. It is more normal now for people to be distanced a greater amount and still have a conversation. In a study done measuring personal space pre and post COVID, it was found that "in response to the pandemic, subjects adapted to distanced requirements and preferred a larger IDP"(interpersonal distance).

     Though the precautions implemented for the pandemic have been loosened, I believe some should continue even post-COVID. Large crowding at concerts can cause all types of sickness- so even without COVID, I think it is a great idea to allow for more personal space. Some people may not mind being stepped on, but the pandemic has definitely made me more aware of my territory and want a larger area of personal space. 

Citations 

Stieg, C. (2021, August 4). With Delta, is it even safe to go to music festivals or outdoor concerts? here's what experts say. CNBC. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/03/is-it-safe-to-go-to-an-outdoor-concert-or-music-festival-during-covid.html.

Welsch, R., Wessels, M., Bernhard, C., Thönes, S., & von Castell, C. (2021, June 1). Physical distancing and the perception of interpersonal distance in the COVID-19 crisis. Nature News. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-90714-5.